Scientists under all forms of government must be able to participate fully in international efforts.

My grandfather on my mother's side was a professor of mechanical engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; my other grandfather was a lawyer, and one time Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives.

Through this additional support, we must renew our commitment to provide talented young people with the opportunity to build scientific careers based on their curiosity, the same opportunity that was provided to me when I began my work.

The Nobel award occasions a unique celebration of the vision of science by the public at large. The prestige the prize confers today is largely due to the extraordinary diligence of the Nobel committees.

One other hobby of mine has been playing the oboe but I have not kept this up after 1969.

In 1975 I met Alison Brown and in 1982 we were married. She works for Cornell Computer Services.

My graduate studies were carried out at the California Institute of Technology.